Her Babies Love Her

Martina McBride on Scrabble, Box Sets, Pampering, Motherhood And More

BY KATI HANSEN

When Martina McBride talks, she speaks with the same assurance and conviction that goes into her songs. She thinks everything through, even when answering questions about peanut butter. Her third album’s due in September, and she’s excited about recording new songs, being a new mom (daughter Delaney was born in December) and touring and performing with her family close by (husband John runs the soundboard). Since her current album is titled The Way That I Am (Selection 17028), we chatted with Martina about just how she is.

Where are you ticklish?

Gosh‚ you’d probably have to ask my husband that question [she consults with John]. I’d think it was my neck, but he says it’s my stomach. I’m real ticklish. I guess I’m equally ticklish in both those places. Now he’ll probably come over here and tickle me.

In almost every article written about you, the writer describes you  as either ”willowy” or “waifish.” What do you think about that?

Well, I really don’t know what they mean. I thought willowy meant tall, and I’m certainly not that. And I thought waifish meant fragile or something, and I’m definitely not that. I think it boils down to peo­ple judging from outward appearances before they know anything about me.

Are you a good Scrabble player?

Pretty good. I had never played Scrabble until I met my husband, believe it or not. He’s much better at it than I am but I beat him occasionally. I always try to use the letter “Q” if I can. I’m always asking: “Is ‘qi” a word? I think it is a word. Maybe ‘qo.” That must be a word.”

Crunchy or creamy peanut butter?

Creamy. And it has to be Jif. It’s just the best.

What CD box sets do you own?

I own the Patsy Cline set, the Buck Owens collection, the Hank Williams box set, an Otis Redding box set, Aretha Franklin’s, the Way­lon box set. I’m really a big fan of box sets. The weird thing is I haven’t gotten around to completely listening to each one yet, but I’m sure I will eventually. They’re a great thing to have, you have a complete col­lection, sometimes with rare music, and you have a nice little booklet to go with it. If the artist has some input on them, that’s good, too.

Do you get involved in the artwork for your records?

I help pick the photos, but as far as the actual design and the letter­ing and stuff, the artists do that kind of stuff. But I’m definitely very involved with how it looks. I mean, it’s my piece of work, so I want to be proud of it. I’m not sure, but I think we were the first RCA act to get a booklet, you know, a fold-out piece. We also got the lyrics on there, and I considered that a coup, because they don’t usually do that either. I just got so many letters from people who wanted the lyrics, I thought it was a necessity. And plus, as a fan, I love to open up a CD and read the lyrics and look at a well-designed booklet that bas a lot of stuff in it. I think it’s a part of the whole package, part of the entertainment.

What one cosmetic item can you not live without?

Probably foundation. I don’t know, can I have two? I think it would be a foundation and lipstick. And eyeliner. I don’t know. I need ‘em all. You haven’t seen me in the morning!

What’s the strangest thing you have in your refrigerator?

I think these are so strange, and I’m sure John bought this, but I look in there every once in a while and think, “What they beck is that doing in there?” It’s those little green plastic limes that have lime juice in them. Does anybody really use those? What are those for? Decoration? So you open up your refrigerator and go, “Oh, that’s so pretty”? I don’t think so. And the lime juice that comes in those things is just horrible. I don’t know what John bought that for, maybe it was his contribution to the interior of the refrigera­tor, but that has to be one of the strangest items anyone could have in their refrigerator.

When you’re sick, do you like to be pampered or left alone?

A little of both, I think. I usually love to sleep, so it’s a great time to give your body a vacation. You know, just lay on the couch and sleep and watch TV. But it’s also nice when John brings me something nice home, you know, a little surprise, or some 7-Up. He’ll make me some soup and make mc feel pampered.

What’s the most unexpected thing about motherhood?

I think it’s probably how much control they have over your life. This little person who can’t even talk and who’s totally helpless completely takes over your life, and everything just revolves around them. It’s a really great thing. It’s like she’s the center of the universe. Also, just how many diapers there are to change.

Do you have a Diaper Genie?

Yes, oh, and it so great. Especially for the bus. It’s an absolute must for me.